First Impressions

Watch the Video

On your first viewing, observe how Mr. St. Clair creates a classroom environment that emphasizes language development, and reading and writing as a way of communicating ideas. Note how Thalia develops an understanding of print (i.e., concepts about print).

Review What You Saw

Thalia's Progress: How do Thalia's literacy skills develop over the year? What factors influence her development as a reader and a writer? Do you consider her progress to be adequate for a kindergarten student? What questions do you have about her growth in literacy and learning?

Classroom Environment: How would you characterize Mr. St. Clair's approach to instruction and assessment in kindergarten? What grouping options and instructional practices support Thalia's emergent literacy skills? How does the classroom environment encourage Thalia to focus on the details of reading and writing?

Home/School Connection: How does Mr. St. Clair collaborate with Thalia's mother and Maria Castro, the Spanish-language teacher, to create a complete profile of Thalia? What does each know about Thalia as a learner? How does this information help Mr. St. Clair plan appropriate instruction for Thalia?